Automotive battery container



July 21, 1942. l L. QA-ER 2,290,768

AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY CONTAINR Original Filed Oct. 2, 1933 @yg/.M2 mi@ A TToR/VEX Patented July 21, 1942 AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY CONTAINER John L. Sager, Beatty, Nev., assignor of onefourth to Clarence F. Kiech, Los Angeles, Calif.

@riginal application October 2, 1933, Serial No. 691,792, now Patent No. 2,206,306, dated July 2,

1937, Serial No. 153,087

Claims. (Cl. 13G- 166) My invention relates to battery systems 0f the storage type, and more particularly to a novel battery and container which are well suited to use in conjunction with automobile circuits, the invention also comprehending a novel method of conducting current from a battery to the starting and other circuits of a prime mover such as an internal combustion engine. For illustrative purposes, the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with an automobile, but while it cooperates with such an automobile both structurally and electrically in a novel manner, it should not be understood that the invention is limited to this use.

The present type of multi-cell automobile battery mounted beneath the licor-boards of an automobile is subject to many objections. One of the foremost objections is the necessity of a re1- atively long battery cable extending to the starting motor, this cable being at a potential above ground at all, times. This cable is relatively large in diameter so as to carry the several hundred amperes often necessary in starting modern multi-cylinder engines. It constitutes a wellrecognized fire hazard in View of its large size and constant above-ground potential, for chaiing of the insulation of this cable will result in forming a short-circuit of large current capacity which is a frequent cause of disastrous lires. Further, the terminals of the conventional battery are subject to corrosion, this factor being one of the foremost causes of battery deterioration and failure. Such corrosion is primarily caused by acid fumes and the heretofore necessary use of dissimilar metals at the terminals. Such corrosion not only quickly destroys the effective electrical contact if not frequently removed, but also forms a leakage path tending to discharge the battery. Such leakage paths are also formed by any moisture, mud, etc., deposited on the surfaces of the battery case, and the present system of mounting the battery beneath the floorboards of an automobile, positions the battery in a location Where it is peculiarly susceptible to moisture conditions. Further, it is not infrequent in colder climates to experience trouble with a battery freezing, this being due in part to its exposed position beneath the car.

It is an object of the present invention to mount a battery beneath the hood of an automobile, thus removing it from its previously exposed position beneath the car where it was susceptible to moisture accumulations, freezing, etc. By placing such a battery un-der the hood of an automobile, the natural heat of the engine dries Divided and this application July 12,

out the atmosphere around the battery to keep the battery dry and thus decrease current leakage, and prevents freezing of the battery. Further, the fan-circulated air removes all acid fumes directly from the engine compartment.

It is a further object of the invention to support a battery by means of a mounting panel separating the engine compartment from the interior or passenger compartment of a motor car.

Another object is to so mount such a battery that a portion extends in the engine compartment and another portion extends into the passenger compartment, the battery being position in a chamber opening on the engine compartment and. this chamber being separated from the .passenger compartment by a wall of the chamber.

A further object lies in a novel system for supporting a battery at a section between its forward and rear ends.

Further objects of the invention lie in the novel form of container utilized and providing a battery chamber into which the battery can be horizontally moved, certain features of this container being novel regardless of the type of battery used. These objects also include the provision of a battery container including a shelf onto which the battery can be preliminarily rested before being slid into the battery chamber, and include a flange structure extending from the container for installing this container in an opening of an automobile dashboard or other vertically extending member.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a battery system which is substantially corrosion-free. This I accomplish by designing my structure so that dissimilar metals are entirely eliminated in the terminal zone at the top of the battery, and it is a further object of the invention to provide a battery in which current is withdrawn at a section below the upper end thereof and thus out of the zone where acid fumes tend to be released from the battery.

Another very important object of the invention is to eliminate in large degree any possible re hazard from circuits, such as the high-oapacity circuit, feeding the starting motor. This I accomplish by providing a normally cle-energized conductor which is connected directly to the starting motor and which is only connected to the battery during actua1 starting operations.

Other novel features of the invention lie in the novel contact means used for thus energizing the starting motor, and in its remote-control feature,

clamping the terminal structure.V

as well as in the other contact means for taking current from the battery.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a contact means for supplying current to certain of the auxiliary circuits of the automobile and which is in electrical connection With the battery only when it is ldesired to energize these circuits. Such a contact means may conveniently supply the ignition circuits of the car, so that the provision of a suitable lock, associated directly or indirectly with this Contact means, furnishes an excellent locking means for the car. Such a structure also falls within the scope of the present invention, as well asthe provision of certain of the heavier-current circuits connected to such a switch means so as to be de-energized when the car is locked or unattended, thus preventing current drainage should the driver forget to turn oif these circuits before leaving the car. Such a system also decreases fire hazards in that the circuits are energized only during the time they are used.

Almost invariably in present day practice, batteries'for automobiles are made somewhat smaller than the chamber into which they are to t, reliance being placed upon wedges, blocks, etc., suitably forced against the battery to hold it in place. Such clamping means almost invariably become loose with vibration, and are often carelessly installed by Workers when replacing the battery. The result is that almost all batteries in present day carsV are subject to some vibration due to being improperly clamped. This results not only in loosening the conventional terminals and opening up acid-carrying spaces around the terminals Where these terminals pass through the battery compound normally used in sealing the tops of the batteries, but also results in vshaking from the plates of the battery some of the active material retained therein, thus materially decreasing the life of the battery.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container for a battery, together with an improved clamping means which retains the battery in fixed position.

It is another object of the present invention to provide inter-engaging shoulders on both the battery and the container for holding the battery in position.

A further defect with conventional battery systems lies in the clamp-type ring terminalsvnormally employed. The terminal post is invariably made of lead while the actual contact Ais effected througha lead-coated brass orcopper terminal clamped around the terminal post. rlhis not only presents a birnetallic system susceptible of corrosion but necessitates the use of a wrench for This invariably results in aV tendency totw'ist and loosen the terminal post, thus forming passages carrying the acid fumes to the top ofthe battery.

It is an object ofl they present invention to eliminate all treminals on the batteryV requiring application of tortion forces in tightening, and to greatly shorten the time required for installation Aof a battery in a car.

Further objects lie in the provision of a battery vwhich it is impossible to install backwards or with reversed terminals, and one which itis very easy to charge,`the terminals of the battery being positioned so as to be easily connectable to terminals of an adjacent battery for series charging.

Other objects of the invention lie in the novel battery structure per se'and in combinationl with the container, this battery including terminal posts only at one end, the remaining terminal posts being completely covered. Another feature of the battery of the invention is the provision of filling passages through the terminal posts themselves. Still another feature is the completely protected terminal posts forming a part of the present invention.

The switching system of the invention can be readily supported by the container, and this feature forms another object of the invention. So, also, the invention includes among its objects the provision of a'novel arrangement of fuses and connecting buss systems which are mounted on the battery container itself.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will be made evident hereinafter.

Referring to the drawing in which the features of the invention are disclosed:

Fig. 1 is a vertical view, partly in section, of the battery, container and switch means.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 3 3 of Fig; 2.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view illustrating a portion of the clamping means of theinvention and is taken as indicated by the line 4-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a sectional View of the tongue-andgrocve means for guiding and holding the battery in place and is taken on the Aline 5-5 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional View of an alternative form of channel and conductor bar.

Fig. '7 is an alternative switch means.

Fig. 8 is a typical wiring diagram utilizing the battery and switch means of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view illustrating how the novel battery container can be adapted to use with conventional types of batteries.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2, I have illustratedA a battery container I0 preferably formed entirely of molded hard rubber or other composition material and carrying a vertical flange II extending completely therearound at a section intermediate the front and rear ends of the container. As shown, the rear end of the container extends through an opening I2 of a mounting panel I3. In the form illustrated, this mounting panel takes the form of a dashboard of an automobile, the container being secured thereto by suitable means, such as bolts I5, ex-

tending through the flange II and the dashboard. The container and its associated battery yare thus supported atan intermediate section and are thus substantially balanced Vwith respect to the mounting panel I3.

The container I0 provides a chamber It open at its forward end and thus communicatingwith the space underneath the hood of the automobile in this embodiment.Y Such a hood is indicated by the numeral II, while the upper portion of the motor is indicated diagrammatically by the numeral I8 of Fig. 2. The chamber 'I6 is bounded by top and bottom walls |19 and 20, by side walls 2I `and 22 (best shown in Fig. l) and by a rear wall 23.V This container thus effectively separates the chamberv I6 from the interior or passenger compartment 24 of the automobile.

' Adapted to be slid horizontally into the chamber I5, through the open forward end thereof, is a battery 25 including a battery case 2S preferably of molded unitary construction. To

Afacilitate this horizontal movement of the battery, I extend the lower wall 20 a distance'forward from the upper wall I9 so as to form a shelf liminarily rested, thus making it unnecessary.

for the operator, in installing the battery, to support the weight thereof as it is being moved horizontally into place. In the preferred embodiment, I also extend the lower portions of the side walls 2l and 22 forward to form side members 28 and 29, these side members terminating adjacent the front edge of the shelf 2l and also extending downward to the bottom of the flange l I, thus forming supporting brackets for the shelf.

As best shown in Fig. 2, the battery case 26 is of less depth than the chamber It so that a portion of the forward part of the battery is exposed. The side members 28 and 29 preferably extend slightly forward of the battery, and to u secure the battery in place, I provide a member 3U which extends across the open front of the chamber I5 and engages the battery case 25. In the preferred embodiment, I form a groove around three sides of this member 36 of such sizeA that the front walls of the shelf 2'! and the side members 28 and 29 extend therein.

Any suitable means can be used for securing the member 3! in place. It has been found preferable to use an L-shaped pin 3l with one leg insertable into an opening 32 of each side wall and preferably formed through the flange, as best shown in Fig. 4. The other leg of this L- shaped pin lies in a channel 33 cut in the corresponding side member and provides a threaded end which extends through an opening of the member 35. A wing nut or bolt 3Q can be used to draw the member 3i) into clamping relationship with the battery case, this relationship takwalls 2l and 22 prevent any material lengthwisev movement of the battery. However, the height of the battery is somewhat less than the Vertical dimension of the battery case and, in the preferred embodiment, I hold the battery case down in the container by inter-engaging shoulders on the battery case and on the container. A tongueand-groove arrangement may conveniently provide such shoulders and, in the form illustrated, there is shown a tongue 35 extending inward from the side walls 2l and 22 and the rear wall 23 of the container lil. As shown in Fig. 2, this tongue is placed near the bottom of the chamber I6 and does not extend throughout the whole depth of the container li). A correspondin groove 36 is cut in the side Walls and end wall of the battery case 25, the lower shoulder of the tongue and the lower wall of the groove 36 preventing the battery case 26 from rising in the chamber I6. In addition, the tongue 35 and groove 36 preferably extend horizontally and serve to guide the battery as it is being slid horizontally into the chamber l5.

The battery 25 is of novel construction. As illustrated, the battery case 26 provides one or more cells or compartments 38, three of these being illustrated. Webs 39 at the bottom of each compartment serve to support sets of battery elements la and lil, which, according to conventional practice, are formed of vertically extending plates separated by insulator plates not shown. Alternate plates are impregnated in any of the well known manners so that, when acid is placed in the compartments and the individual cells are charged by passing a current therethrough, the alternate plates become oppositely charged. The plates of one set of battery elements are connected together by the usual strap i4 which carries an upward-extending terminal pest 45. Similarly, the plates of the other set o f battery elements are connected together by a strap 46 from which a short terminal post il eX- tends upward.

In the embodiment shown, the short terminal post terminates below the upper edge of the battery container 25 so as to be positioned in the compartment. The long terminal post 45, however, extends a material distance above the upper edge of the battery container 26 and provides a threaded passage 49 communicating with the compartment to supply acid thereto and to receive testing equipment.. This feature of a filling passage formed through a terminal post is a very desirable one. It not only eliminates the necessity for separate ller openings in the top of each cell but, in effect, increases the effective height of the filling passage, thus preventing any of the acid from being splashed from the upper end. In addition, this feature effects a distinct saving of space in the present invention and permits substantially the whole of the upper end of the battery to be enclosed.

The preferred method of closing the upper ends of the cells is best illustrated in Figs. l, 2 and 3. As therein shown7 it is preferable to use a thin plate 5I of hard rubber or other insulating materials and resting on the straps it and 46 and providing holes corresponding in position to the terminal posts and 4'1. The desired terminal posts of adjacent cells can then be connected together by lead straps, such as indicated by the numerals 53 and 54. If desired, notches 55 can be cut in the dividing walls separating the cells to permit passage of these straps. These straps are preferably connected as shown so that both the positive and negative terminals -of the battery will be on the front side thereof. Two of the long terminal posts d5 can conveniently serve this purpose. The upper end of each cell is then filled above the plate 5l with suitable battery compound. Preferably, this compound completely covers all of the short terminal posts 4l and the straps 53 and 54 so that the only portions projecting from the top of the battery are the terminal posts 45.

As best shown in Fig. 2, these terminal posts 45 extend upward from the exposed forward portion of the top of the battery and extend upward in front of the flange H, thus making filling, inspection and testing of the battery easy. In addition, it is often preferable to enclose each of the terminal posts i5 with a sleeve of insulating material, indicated by the numeral 5l, and resting against a shoulder 58 0f the terminal post around which it is positioned. This, together with the filler cap 59 also formed of insulating material and vented in the usual manner, completely protects the terminal post from contact with any tool, etc., which might carelessly be positioned on top of the battery by a workman. The protecting sleeve 5I also prevents any tendency of the terminal post 45 to corrode.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, I prefer to make all connections to the battery at a position spaced from the upper end thereof and thus out of the acid-fume zone. In accomplishing this end, I provide a lead strap Si) secured to the terminal post 5 of each of the end cells and exten-ding downward along the exterior of the battery case. Preferably, vertical channels 6I are cut in the exterior surface of the battery case to receive these lead straps. If desired, these slots may be cut of trapezoidal shape, as shown in Fig. 6, utilizing straps of such shape as to be retained therein. It is possible to utilize a protecting strip oi insulating material 63 covering the strap, if desired. Such a protection can be applied regardless of the shape of the channel, but the shape shown in Fig. 6 is particularly adaptable to the use of such a strip of insulating material in that it can be longitudinally moved into the trapezoidal-shaped slot as shown, being held in place without auxiliary connections.

In eliminating all corrosion, it is necessary to eliminate dissimilar materials through which the current passes, especially if these dissimilar materials are in theacid zone at the top of the battery. In effecting this end, I form the straps 5) d of lead and provide thereon a ring-type connection which is lead-burned to the terminal post 45, thus making a lead-to-lead contact entirely free from corrosion. In addition, the junction betwen the ring-type connection and the terminal post 45 is positioned beneath the battery compound so as to be sealed from the atmosphere and also from any acid fumes that may rise in the passages 49 of the terminal posts.

The lower end of each strap 353 is preferably provided with a flat terminal plate 6ft suitably secured or locked to the strap. Preferably, this terminal plate is formed of copper or brass and the back and edges thereof are preliminarily tinned before being sweated to the strap 69, thus forming an excellent connection not subject to corrosion. If desired, all of the current drawn from the battery may be taken from these terminal plates.

As disclosed, the left-hand terminal plate shown in Fig. l may be grounded to the frame of the car through a spring co-ntact means. This means may conveniently include a box-like structure "o5 slidably retaining a contact member 61 to which a flexible conductor 68 is connected.

A spring e9 may be compressed between the cover of the box-like structure 66 and a shoulder of the contact member to resiliently urge this contact member into rm engagement with the terminal plate. The spring 69 also tends to force the battery case 2S rightward in the chamber i6. Any very slight movement of the battery in this chamber will tend to cause a slight relative shifting of the terminal plate 64 and the contact member 61, thus forming a self-cleaning electrical Contact. Ii desired, the battery may be resiliently mounted in the chamber l5 as by being spaced from the walls thereof by rubber members of a slightly resilient nature. Usually, however, these are not necessary, the very slight give of the clamping member 39 and the container IQ allowing a sufficient relative shifting between the contact member 61 and the terminal plate 6d to give very excellent contact, In other instances, no such relative movement between these members is essential.

Current may be taken from the other terminal plate 64, shown in the right half of Fig. 1, by any contact means engaging this terminal plate when the battery is in position. Such a contact means may take the form of a contact member15 positioned in a bore of the side wall 29 and slidable" therein. A spring 15 in this bore resiliently urges the contact member 15 into contact with the terminal plate S4, this spring being. compressed between a shoulder of the contact member 15 and a cover member 11 removably closing the outer end of the bore and, if desired, acting to slidably journal the contact membery 15.

Current may also be taken from this terminal plate 64' through a contact member 89 slidable in a bore of the side wall 29 and resiliently urged into contact with the terminal plate by any suitable spring means illustrated as comprising a flat spring 32 bearing against an arm 83 secured to the contact member 80. If desired, this switch means may be remotely operated, the form illustrated including a cam which moves into engagement with the arm 83 when it is desired to open the switch means, the cam rotating until a at surface 85 thereof engages the arm 83, thus preventing the spring 82 from returning the contact member into engagement with the terminal plate 6d. This cam 85 is shown as being connected tc a rod 81 which passes through a corresponding angled opening formed through the iiange I l and the dashboard I3, this rod extending into the drivers compartment of the car. Here it can be manually turned by any suitable means, such as a handle 88 shown and, if desired, this means may include a lock 89 so that the contact member 80 cannot be moved into engagement with the terminal plate 84 when the system is locked. Such a system is particularly desirable when the contact member 89 is connected in the control circuit for the starter or to the ignition circuits, as will be hereinafter described.

It is preferable to use a Separate switch means for taking the starter current from the terminal plate 64, and this switch means is preferably remotely operated. In the form shown in Fig. 1, I provide a tubular shell 9! closed at one end by a removable cover 9|. A solenoid 92 is retained in this tubular shell 99 and, when energized, attracts an armature 93 formed of magnetic material. This armature is hollow 'and in reality forms a metallic sleeve extending around a central reduced-diameter portion of a contact member 95 which is slidable in the tubular shell 9@ when the solenoid 92 is energized, thus movingy into firm Contact with the terminal plate Eil. The current is taken from the contact member4 95 through a exible copper lead 96 coiled inside the tubular shell, a terminal stud 91 retaining the xed end of this flexible lead and extending through the cover 9. Thence, the current may be carried by a short conductor 9B to a stud 99 extending through a lug I of the container and thence through an insulated conductor ii extending directly to the starter of the car. A spring l withdraws the contact member 95 from engagement with the terminal plate 64 when the solenoid is deenergized. It will thus be apparent that all of the connections to the starter are dead except during the actual starting operations, thus eliminating the re hazard of a highcapacity conductor permanently connected to the live terminal of the battery as is conventional practice.

If desired, the switch means and the lug |00 may be enclosed by a removable cover |05. A slot I may be formed therein directly beneath this shelf 99 so as to receive the insulated conductor IBI when the cover is in place.

One method of connecting these switch means to the circuits of the automobile is indicated in Fig. 8 for illustrative purposes. Thus, considering that the positive side of the battery is grounded, the negative side of the battery will be connected to' lthe terminal plate 54 associated with the switch means. As shown, the contact member may be connected by a conductor I l! to a fuse HI and thence to a buss H2. To this buss may be connected the conventional horn circuit including a switch and a horn H3, one terminal of which is grounded. So, also, any desired lighting circuit may be connected to this buss through a suitable switch, a typical circuit being indicated by the numeral H5. Preferably, th'e higher current lighting circuits, such as the head-lamp circuits. are not so connected, though this system may be used if desired. Also connected to the buss H2 is the generator H1, a conventional cut-out H8 being connected in series therewith. Thus, the generator is at all times connected to the battery through the cutout H8 which functions in the usual manner.

Other circuits may be connected to the buss H2 through' suitable switch means, if desired.

On the other hand, the contact member 80 is connected by a conductor |29 to a fuse |2| and thence to Aa buss |25. This buss is, of course, energized only when the cam-operated contact member is in engagement with the terminal plate 64. The lighting circuits of high current requirements may be connected thereto, as indicated by the numeral |25. In this way, it is impossible to leave these high-current circuits energized when the car is locked, for locking the car moves the contact member 89 from the terminal plate 54, thus de-energizing the buss |25.

It is preferable to connect the ignition circuit to the buss |25. As indicated, the primary winding of a spark coil |30 is shown connected to this buss in series with the usual make-and-break switch ISI. The secondary winding of the spark coil is connected to the distributor |33, as diagrammatically shown.

I also prefer to energize the solenoid 92 from the buss |25, thus making it impossible to energize the starter when the car is locked. As shown, the solenoid 92 is connected to this buss through a push-button switch positioned at a convenient location in the driving compartment. Depressing this push-button thus energizes the solenoid and thus connects the starter, indicated in Fig. 8 by the numeral |49, to the battery.

I nd it very convenient to mount the fuses and 12| as well as the buss H2 and the buss |25 directly on the outer face of the side wall 29 of the container and beneath the cover |05. This permits both the switch means and the fuses to be mounted in adjacent relation and in a position close to the buss system and represents a distinct saving both in wiring and space and also permits the mounting of the fuses in a readily accessible position should replacement be necessary.

In Fig. 7, I have illustrated an alternative form is carried by the inner end of this plunger and contacts the terminal plate 61| with a well known wiping contact. The outer end of this plunger loosely extends through an opening in the upper end of an arm |51 pivoted at |58, this arm forming an armature attracted by a magnet |59 connected as was the solenoid winding 92 previously mentioned. The plunger |50 carries a pin |59 against which a washer IGI is held by a spring |52 compressed between the Washer |6| and a washer |59 slidable along the plunger and engaging the arm |51. A cover |66 preferably encloses the switch structure and current is conducted from the switch through a stud |61 insulated with respect to the cover |65 and connected to the outer end of the plunger |59 by a flexible conductor |59. When the magnet |59 is energized, the armature |51 moves leftward to first bring the spring contact |53 into pressural engagement with the terminal plate 64 after which further leftward movement of the arm 351 results in compressing the spring |52. The core of the magnet |59 forms a stop for the armature |51. Once the armature |51 contacts the core of this magnet, only a very small amount of current is required to maintainthe switch closed, thus making the switch readily adaptable not only to the starting circuit, but also to the circuits energizing the buss |25 and also the buss H2, if desired.

It should not be understood that the container IG herein-shown is limited in utility to use in conjunction with the novel battery structure shown. Many of the objects of the invention can be obtained even if a battery of conventional construction is utilized. Thus, in Fig. 9, I have shown one corner of the container |0 when associated with a battery of conventional design :ind having exposed terminal posts |90. In this instance, it is preferable to sweat a ring ISI to each terminal post, a flexible conductor |83 being secured to the ring I8! and extending to a terminal plate |95. This plate may be of the same design as the terminal plates previously described and current may be taken therefrom, as previously set forth or, if desired, it may be permanently connected to the starting and lighting circuits. A terminal stud |86 may conveniently connect the exible conductor |83 to the terminal plate |35, and can also serve to clamp the terminal plate to the container l0. A similar construction can be used for grounding the other terminal post of the battery.

In this form of the invention, the flexible conductors are of sui'licient length to permit the battery to be moved forward on the shelf 21 a suircient distance so that access can be had to the conventional centrally located ller caps |08. Thereafter, the battery can be moved farther into the container l5 and clamped in place by the member 55. The clamping action exerted by this member is sufficient to hold the battery both horizontally and vertically immovable. Such a construction permits the novel placement of the battery with respect to the automobile and permits the use cf a container which includes substantially no metal parts.

It will be readily apparent that the preferred embodiment of the battery structure herein-described eliminates substantially all corrosion in that no dissimilar metals are positioned in the acid-fume zone and all electrical contacts in this zone are permanent in their nature and are not of the clamp-type now in general use. Further, current leakage is materially decreased both because kof the absence of corrosion and because of the drying action of the engine of the car, thus preventing the condensation of moisture on the battery case and removing any moisture that should reach this case through any reason.

The positioning of the battery disclosed removes it from a position Where it has ready access to moisture, mud, etc., thrown by the tires of the automobile, an important feature of the invention.

Another feature of the invention is the convenience of inspection or replacement, such replacement requiring no unclamping of terminals, etc. Further, it is impossible to install the battery in a reversed position. The complete elimination of exposed metallic parts at the upper end of the battery is also an important detail, as well as the almost complete elimination of metallic parts associated with the container.

A very important advantage of the terminal the battery and which is the source of most res.' Such a terminal plate structure also permits a u better location for fuses and distribution buss, and eiects a distinct saving in cost of preliminary charging of thebattery. In the latter connection, it is to be noted that much time is at present consumed in attaching charging leads through suitable clamping means. With the herein-disclosed system, the batteries can be placed end to end with adjacent terminal plates in contact with each other for series charging. If the terminal plates terminate short of the outer surface ci the battery case, it is only necessary to place a small spacer between terminal plates of adjacent batteries when thus charging. If desired, the entire group of batteries thus being charged may "oe resiliently urged toward each other to form an excellent contact between adjacent batteries.

Further, the battery hereinshown permits the use of a locked battery switch which de-energizes any desired circuit when the car is locked, thus preventing of the battery through forgetfulness in turning oi these circuits. It also permits the use of a simple theft-proof system for locking the ignition circuit of the car.

A further advantage of the present battery system is that it is much safer in case of an accident causing overturning of the car. With a battery in the conventional location beneath the floor-boards of the driving compartment, such overturning of the ca spills acid into the driving compartment, thus destroying upholstering. Such accidents have caused permanent disfiguration of operators who happen to be pinned beneath the car. In the present system, no acid will spill from the battery unless the car is turned completely over, and even then the acid will not reach the driving compartment.

This application is a division of my application Serial No. 691,792, led October 2, 1933, entitled Battery system, now Patent No. 2,206,306, July 2, 1940.

I claim as my invention:

l. In combination: a battery case providing two walls dividing the interior thereof into three adjacent compartments; sets of oppositely charged plates in each of said compartments; oppositely poled front terminals extending upward from the two end compartments, one from each compartment, to a position thereabove and electrically connected respectively to two of said sets of plates; a central front terminal extending upward in the center compartment and connected to one set of plates therein; three rear terminals extending upward respectively in said compartments and respectively connected to sets of plates therein; a rst strap electrically connecting two adjacent rear terminals; a second strap electrically connecting the remaining rear terminal with said central iront terminal, all of said rear terminals terminating short of the upper ends of said compartments; and means comprising a plastic sealing material and a i'lat plate in each compartment on which said plastic material is supported for covering the entire upper portions of said compartments to a depth to submerge said rear terminals and said straps, said two rst-named front terminals extending upward through said means.

2. A combination as deiined in claim 1, including additional strap means extending outward from said two rst-named front terminals for conducting current to and from these terminals, those portions of said additional strap means which are within said compartments being submerged by said plastic sealing material.

3. In combination: a 4battery case providing two walls dividing the interior thereof into Athree adjacent compartments; sets of oppositely charged plates in each of said compartments to form three cells; oppositely poled iront terminals extending upward from the two end compartments, one from each compartment, to a position thereabove and electrically connected respectively to two of said sets ci plates; a ccntral front terminal extending upward in the center compartment and connected to one set of plates therein, said oppositely Ypoled front terminals and said central front terminal being hollow to provide filling passages for said compartments; three rear terminals extending upward respectively in said compartments and respectively connected to sets of plates therein; and conductor means for electrically connecting said cells in series relationship whereby said oppositely poled front terminals form the means for conducting current from said battery, said conductor means being electrically connected to said central front terminal.

4. A combination as deiined claim 3, including removable vented closure means formed of insulating material extending into said filling passages and extending outward above said .front terminals to shield same from accidental contact.

5. A combination as deiined in claim 3 in which said lling passages are internally threaded and including means for shielding at least one of said front terminals from accidental contact, said means including a terminal-surrounding sleeve formed of insulating material and a closure member threaded into the corresponding filling passage, said closure member being formed of insulating material and extending outward above said terminal to shield same from accidental contact.

JOHN L. SAGER. 

